In the wake of the Mt. Kanlaon eruption on December 9, relief efforts have been ramped up across Negros Island, with a total of PHP14.792 million in humanitarian aid distributed to affected families. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), alongside local government units and non-governmental organizations, has been actively involved in providing essential supplies such as family food packs, hygiene kits, and sleeping kits to those in need. The aid distribution was reported as of Saturday night, with the latest figures from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council confirming the total amount of assistance provided.
As of Sunday morning, the DSWD reported that 4,881 families, totaling 16,268 individuals, are currently sheltered in 28 evacuation centers across Negros Occidental. The breakdown includes 2,825 families in La Castellana, 721 in La Carlota City, and 92 in Bago City. In Negros Oriental, 1,243 families, comprising 4,041 people, are also taking refuge in evacuation centers.
The Office of Civil Defense-6 (Western Visayas) reported that by 10 a.m. Sunday, 81% of the population within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone around Mt. Kanlaon, now including San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, had been evacuated.
In addition to human aid, the DSWD-6 is collaborating with the La Castellana municipal government to set up a designated area for livestock and other domestic animals of displaced persons. This area, located at La Castellana Elementary School, is currently housing livestock brought by farmers from the villages of Masulog and Cabagna-an. Nine farmers utilized a vehicle provided by Barangay Cabagna-an to transport their animals on Saturday. The local government is tasked with ensuring adequate facilities and food for these animals, with support from the Department of Agriculture and various animal rights organizations. The DSWD-6 is committed to maintaining spaces for livestock within the camps or establishing separate facilities, in line with the guidelines set forth in the joint memorandum circular No. 2, series of 2021.